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The Buffalo Bills announced they will start rookie E.J. Manuel at quarterback on Sunday when they open the 2013 season against the Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Manuel, the first quarterback chosen in the draft in April, played at Florida State and led the Seminoles to a 12-2 record in 2012 and a victory in the Orange Bowl. He passed for 3,397 yards and 23 touchdowns and ran for 310 yards and four touchdowns that season.

Manuel injured his left knee in a preseason game vs. the Vikings and had minor surgery to repair it. He missed the next two preseason games.

The Bills’ QB decision came down to Manuel and undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel. Kevin Kolb was placed on injured reserve after suffering a concussion in the preseason, and free agent Matt Leinart was released after joining the Bills briefly during the preseason.

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